Lunch offer

Our history

Gift vouchers

Room offers

The Lifeboat Inn – hotel, restaurant and bar in Thornham on the North Norfolk Coast

For over 500 years, The Lifeboat Inn, a traditional hotel, restaurant and bar, has been providing shelter and welcoming visitors to the stunning North Norfolk coast.

It is only when you step inside through the doors of this historic inn that you begin to imagine its heritage and importance to those looking for a shelter from a rough, stormy sea. Today The Lifeboat Inn provides a sanctuary from our increasingly nomadic modern day living and is the perfect harbour from which to explore North Norfolk’s unspoilt seaside and charming market towns and villages.

This coastal hideaway is a homely haven for every guest, two-or four legged. It's a place where wellies, walking-boots and the well-heeled sit comfortably side by side.

In summer, enjoy alfresco dining in our outside terrace or sample our extensive collection of ales, lagers, wines and spirits in our sheltered, courtyard beer garden. In winter, choose between our oak-beamed bar, comfortable lounge with a vast open fire, relaxed dining room or a glass roofed conservatory where a 200 year old vine still fruits and flowers. Look carefully and you'll find a perfectly preserved pitch-penny slot in one of the bar benches, a fun game to play with friends and family at any time of year.

The Lifeboat Inn hotel has 13 extremely comfortable and inviting bedrooms to snuggle up after a day spent exploring the area. Expect stylish furniture, comfy beds, crisp linen and coastal views.

Whether you're popping in for a swift pint of local ale, stopping by for a family meal or wanting to stay with us for a night or more, The Lifeboat Inn guarantees a very warm welcome.

The Lifeboat Inn, hotel, restaurant and bar in North Norfolk, offers sumptuous food, fine wines, a selection of local ales and roaring fires - all the genuine charm of a traditional coastal inn.

What our guests say

We loved what they had done with the restaurant and the service and quality of food was superb. The pub is lovely and cosy with big roaring fires, wonderful to chill and have a few drinks in.

A really enjoyable Sunday lunch with friends. We had great food and quick service. A lovely setting in Thornham. Highly recommend a visit here. A varied menu with lots of options from light bites to mains - there should be something for everyone.

Spent the last week working our way round the local restaurant and this is one of the best. Great food and service. They welcome dogs with open arms and we received a warm welcome.

Latest news

Suffolk Norfolk Life Magazine review

13th August 2018

Stephanie Mackentyre from Suffolk Norfolk Life Magazine heads to the Norfolk Coast for some R&R.
Read her review here.

North Norfolk local area guide for families

24th November 2017

You will never be short of things to do when visiting north Norfolk with your family. North Norfolk has miles of unspoilt coastline, breath-taking countryside and plenty of family-friendly attractions and activities.

From local land to The Lifeboat Inn

13th November 2017

Thomas Large supplies The Lifeboat Inn with those delicious mussels that our guests can’t seem to get enough of. We talk to Thomas to discover more about the local shellfish that he supplies to The Lifeboat Inn.

Thursford Christmas Spectacular

26th September 2017

One of our favourite festive events in north Norfolk is the Thursford Christmas Spectacular. It is the largest Christmas show in the country and is an unmissable day out to kick-start that festive feeling.